A Man For All Seasons
(Robert Bolt)
There is a timeless lesson to be learned in A Man For All Seasons, by Robert Bolt. In this classic story, the protagonist, Sir Thomas Moore, finds himself facing execution by King Henry VIII because Moore will not give his blessing to King Henry?s divorce. Ultimately, Thomas Moore is executed for his refusal to compromise his personal morals and sanctify King Henry?s actions. For members of the Christian faith, Moore?s character might be related to that of Jesus Christ. In a metaphoric comparison the reader of Robert Bolt?s play might see that neither Jesus Christ, nor Thomas Moore, could deny who they were even though the laws of their times mandated otherwise. Prior to his death, Thomas Moore stated, ?When a man takes an oath, he is holding his own self in his own hands, like water, and if he opens his fingers, then.... he needn't hope to find himself again?. Moore would face death at King Henry?s hand, rather than ?lose himself? to a broken oath by accepting Henry?s new law, which he believed to be wrong in the eyes of God. King Henry might be compared to Ponchas Pilat, who could have let Jesus go free. Like Ponchas Pilat, King Henry feared his colleagues and associates and had to justify his position and his actions, even if that meant the untimely death of an innocent prisoner. Like Ponchas Pilat, King Henry held a position of authority. However, both Pilat and Henry were too weak to shoulder the temporal consequences of letting their victims go free. In contrast, both Jesus Christ and Thomas Moore were strong enough to hold true to their convictions, even unto death. By utilizing an allegorical theme, Robert Bolt successfully teaches us all that we must remain true to our values, no matter what the consequence.
Resumos Relacionados
- Henry Iv Part Two
- Richard Ii
- King Henry V
- Murder In The Cathedral
- The Wives Of Henry Viii
|
|
